In a shocking incident, Shafiu Aminu, a resident of Kano, set a mosque ablaze during morning prayers in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, leaving several worshippers injured.
Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how the assailant, armed with petrol, ignited the fire while worshippers were engaged in the ‘Subh’ prayer. “The man used petrol and lit fire while the people, about 40 of them, were praying. He locked the mosque after the fire,” shared a member of the community who wished to remain anonymous.
The attack unfolded swiftly, catching worshippers off guard. “It took time for people outside to become aware of the incident and rescue the victims who were struggling to break out,” narrated another eyewitness.
The aftermath of the blaze saw at least 28 individuals sustaining serious injuries, prompting urgent medical attention at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano. Residents who arrived at the scene described scenes of chaos and confusion. Ibrahim Jibrin, a local resident, recounted encountering a boy engulfed in flames desperately pleading for help.
“This is the third time he would attack people here,” Ibrahim JibrHe had once hit two of his elder brothers and took himself to the police station, claiming that he had killed them,” Ibrahim Jibrin disclosed.
The incident appears to be rooted in longstanding family disputes, highlighting the complexities surrounding the attacker’s motives.
Remarkably, Shafiu Aminu voluntarily surrendered to the police following the arson attack, as confirmed by residents. However, efforts to obtain an official statement from the Kano Police command spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, proved futile as repeated calls went unanswered.